Method of freshening air

ABSTRACT

Air freshener products and methods for freshening air are disclosed. In some embodiments, the air freshening product may include a container for storing an air freshening composition that may contain compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completely filled with propellant and air freshening composition, the air freshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spray droplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns. 
     The method of freshening air, in certain embodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening composition using a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used, the method may also provide a reduction in malodors.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/175,164, filed Jul. 1, 2011, which is continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/881,173, filed Jun. 30, 2004, which in turnclaims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/429,593, filedMay 5, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air fresheners and methods forfreshening air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Products for reducing or masking malodors in the air are currentlyavailable, and are described in the patent literature. Products forreducing or masking malodors on fabrics and other surfaces are alsocurrently available and described in the patent literature.

S. C. Johnson sells products such as GLADE® sprays and the OUST™ fabricrefresher.

Reckitt-Benckiser sells products such as LYSOL® disinfectant sprays, AIRWICK® by WIZARD® products.

Some of these products use hydrocarbons as propellants. Products thatuse hydrocarbons as propellants can be subject to the disadvantage thatany scent or perfume used therein tends to evaporate very quickly due tothe small size of the droplets that are dispensed with hydrocarbonpropellants and the rapid phase change of hydrocarbon propellants fromliquid to gas. In the case of air fresheners, this can result in a lessdesirable consumer experience of an overwhelming burst of perfumeinitially and a short longevity period during which these perfumes canbe detected in the air. In order to attempt to increase the periodduring which these perfumes can be detected, the tendency is to putadditional perfume into products that utilize hydrocarbons aspropellants. This may result in a perfume level that initially has atendency to be too strong, or overpowering, yet may still not be longlasting.

Some of these products may cause fabrics to turn yellow or brown undernatural light, particularly products that contain certain types ofaldehydes.

The Procter & Gamble Company sells products under the FEBREZE® fabricrefresher brand name. These products typically contain cyclodextrin anddo not use propellants. Procter & Gamble patents include U.S. Pat. No.5,942,217, U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,093, U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,679.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air fresheners, or air fresheningproducts, and methods for freshening air. The air freshening product maycomprise a container for storing an air freshening composition that maycontain a perfume composition or may contain a perfume composition inconjunction with a malodor counteractant, and the container may comprisea propellant such as a compressed gas, and a dispenser. There arenumerous embodiments of the products described herein, all of which areintended to be non-limiting examples.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the air freshening product may includea container for storing an air freshening composition that may containnon-hydrocarbon compressed gas such as compressed air, nitrogen, nitrousoxide, inert gases, or carbon dioxide. When the container is completelyfilled with propellant and air freshening composition, the airfreshening composition may be released from the container at a flow rateof from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second, wherein themean particle size of the released spray droplets is from about 10microns to about 100 microns. The method of freshening air, in certainembodiments, provides improved delivery of an air freshening compositionusing a non-hydrocarbon propellant. If malodor counteractants are used,the method may also provide a reduction in malodors.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the air freshening product delivers aconsistent perfume release profile. In these, or other embodiments, theair freshening product may also deliver a genuine malodor removalbenefit without impacting the character of the parent fragrance (thatis, the perfume composition without any malodor counteractants). A“consistent perfume release profile” is defined as a perceivable perfumeintensity which is delivered initially and a comparable intensity ismaintained for at least 10 minutes or longer (e.g., 30 minutes, ormore). A “genuine malodor removal benefit” is defined as an analyticallymeasurable malodor reduction. Thus, if the air freshening productdelivers a genuine malodor removal benefit, the air freshening productwill not function merely by using perfume to cover up or mask odors. Theair freshening product may be fabric-safe so that it does not stainfabrics with which it comes into contact. Furthermore, in some versionsof this embodiment, the product may also be suitable for use as a fabricrefresher.

The air freshening product can be sprayed into the air. Any suitabletype of article can be used to spray the air freshening product into theair. The air freshening product can be sprayed using any suitable typeof sprayer. One suitable type of sprayer is an aerosol sprayer. If anaerosol sprayer is used, it can use any suitable type of propellant. Thepropellant can include hydrocarbon propellants, or non-hydrocarbonpropellants. In some embodiments, it is desirable to use propellantsthat are primarily non-hydrocarbon propellants (that is, propellantsthat are comprised of more non-hydrocarbon propellants by volume thanhydrocarbon propellants, that is, greater than (or equal to) about 50%of the volume of the propellant). In some embodiments, the propellantmay be substantially free of hydrocarbons. In embodiments in which theair freshener uses a non-hydrocarbon propellant, such a propellant mayinclude, but is not limited to a compressed gas. Suitable compressedgases include, but are not limited to compressed air, nitrogen, nitrousoxide, inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc.

In one version of such an embodiment, at least some of the spraydroplets are sufficiently small in size to be suspended in the air forat least about 10 minutes, and in some cases, for at least about 15minutes, or at least about 30 minutes. The spray droplets can be of anysuitable size. In some embodiments, at least some of the spray dropletshave a diameter in a range of from about 0.01 μm to about 500 μm, orfrom about 5 μm to about 400 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 200 μm.The mean particle size of the spray droplets may be in the range of fromabout 10 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 20 μm- about 60 μm.

In some embodiments, the air freshener product comprises a perfume thatis formulated so that it has an initial impact that is not overpoweringand is perceived in the air for a longer period of time. Without wishingto be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the perfumelongevity may be attributed to using a compressed gas, such as nitrogenas a propellant combined with a larger droplet size (relative to someaerosol spayers). Again, without wishing to be bound to any particulartheory, such larger droplets may act as reservoirs for the perfume thatprovide a source of olfactive molecules, and which continue to emitmolecules providing a continual source of fragrance in the room. It isbelieved that smaller molecules will provide droplets with a greatertotal surface area that causes the perfume to more quickly release fromthe same. In some embodiments, the perfume remains in the air for atleast about 10 minutes, or more, up to about 30 minutes, or more (or anyperiod therebetween), while maintaining substantially the samecharacter.

The air freshening product can be packaged in any suitable container.Suitable containers include aerosol cans. In one embodiment, the aerosolcan may have a dispenser that sprays the air freshening composition atan angle that is between an angle that is parallel to the base of thecontainer and an angle that is perpendicular thereto. In otherembodiments, the desired size of spray droplets can be delivered byother types of devices that are capable of being set to provide a narrowrange of droplet size. Such other devices include, but are not limitedto: foggers, ultrasonic nebulizers, electrostatic sprayers, and spinningdisk sprayers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a graph that compares the perfume release profile of anexample of an air freshener having a high initial perfume intensity, anda relatively short period of longevity in the air to an example of anair freshener having a more consistent perfume release profile, andlonger period of longevity in the air.

FIG. 2 is a graph that shows the perfume release profile with respect tothe odor detection threshold of an example of an air freshener having ahigh initial perfume intensity, and a relatively short period oflongevity in the air.

FIG. 3 is a graph of one non-limiting example of an air freshener havinga more consistent perfume release profile, and longer period oflongevity in the air.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph showing the relatively higher amount of smalldroplets in a spray that uses dimethyl ether (DME) hydrocarbon as apropellant in comparison to a spray that uses nitrogen as a propellant.

FIG. 5 is a print out from a gas chromatograph that shows the presenceof butylamine (a fish odor) in the air.

FIG. 6 is a print out from a gas chromatograph that shows the presenceof Lilial (an aldehyde) in the air. FIG. 7 is a print out from a gaschromatograph that shows what happens when the two substances arecombined.

FIG. 8 is a graph that shows the concentration of two types of cigarettemalodors in the air over time before and after a malodor counteractantis introduced into the air space.

FIG. 9 is a graph that shows the concentration of body and bathroommalodors in the air over time before and after a malodor counteractantis introduced into the air space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air fresheners or air fresheningproducts and methods for freshening air. The air freshening product maycomprise a container for storing an air freshening composition, and thecontainer may comprise a propellant such as a compressed gas, and adispenser; and an air freshening composition. There are numerousembodiments of the air freshening products and methods described herein,all of which are intended to be non-limiting examples.

The Air Freshening Composition

The term “air freshening composition”, as used herein, refers to anysuitable composition that reduces odors in air, and/or reduces theimpression of odors in the air by masking, layering or including malodorcounteractant perfume raw materials into the composition. Numerous typesof air freshening compositions are possible.

In certain embodiments, the air freshening composition comprises aperfume composition. In some embodiments, the air freshening productdelivers a consistent perfume release profile without an overwhelminginitial burst of perfume. A “consistent perfume release profile” isdefined as a perceivable perfume intensity which is delivered initiallyand a comparable level of intensity is maintained for at least 10minutes or longer, and in some cases, for at least about 15 minutes, atleast about 20 minutes, at least about 25 minutes, or at least about 30minutes. The intensities at these times may be respectively referred toas the “ten minute intensity”, the “fifteen minute intensity”, etc.

FIG. 1 is a graph that compares the perfume release profile of anexample of an air freshener having a high initial perfume intensity, anda relatively short period of longevity in the air to an example of anideal air freshener having a more consistent perfume release profile,and longer period of longevity in the air.

FIG. 2 is a graph of the perfume release profile of an example of an airfreshener having an initial high perfume intensity, and a relativelyshort period of longevity in the air. As shown in FIG. 2, the initialintensity of the perfume in the air is quite high, and can contribute toconsumers experiencing an overwhelming initial burst of perfume.Following the initial burst of perfume, FIG. 2 shows that the intensityof the perfume in the air quickly drops off, and falls below thedetection threshold of an untrained person's sense of smell. This airfreshener product, thus, has a relatively short longevity period. Inaddition, the character of such a perfume can can change over time aswell. In most situations, it is desirable for the character of theperfume to remain substantially the same over time. This type of perfumerelease profile is typically provided when using hydrocarbonpropellants, such as dimethyl ether (DME).

FIG. 3 is a graph of one non-limiting example of an air freshener havinga more consistent perfume release profile, and longer period oflongevity in the air in which the perfume intensity remains over thedetection threshold for a longer period of time. This type of perfumerelease profile can be provided by using a compressed gas, such asnitrogen, as a propellant. In certain embodiments, it is desirable forthe air freshening composition to comprise a perfume having an initialintensity measured on a sensory rating scale of 0-5 (described in theTest Methods section below) that is less than or equal to (or merelyless than) about 4, or about 3.5 within about two minutes after thecomposition is first dispersed. In these, or other embodiments, it mayalso be desirable for the perfume intensity of the air fresheningcomposition to remain at a level greater than or equal to (or merelygreater than) about 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, or about 3 afterone or more of the following periods after the composition is firstdisbursed: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes. In these or otherembodiments, it may be desirable for the change in the intensity of theperfume composition over any of these periods of time to be less than orequal to (or merely less than): about 3.5, about 3, about 2.5, about 2,about 1.5, about 1, about 0.5, or about 0.

There are a number of ways to provide an air freshener with a consistentperfume release profile. In some cases, this can be a product of theperfume composition, and/or the manner in which the air fresheningcomposition is distributed or dispersed into the air.

The perfume composition can be formulated so that it has characteristicsthat provide it with a more consistent release profile. Perfumestypically comprise one or more perfume ingredients. Often, theseingredients have different volatilities, boiling points, and odordetection thresholds. When a perfume composition is discharged into theair, the ingredients with the higher volatilities (referred to as “topnotes”) will be the ingredients that will volatilize and be detected bya person's sense of smell more quickly than the ingredients with lowervolatilities (referred to as “middle notes”) and the ingredients withthe lowest volatility (referred to as “bottom notes”). This will causethe character of the perfume to change over time since after the perfumeis first emitted, the overall perfume character will contain fewer andfewer top notes and more bottom notes.

In general, a perfume ingredient's character and volatility may bedescribed in terms of its boiling point (or “B.P.”) and itsoctanol/water partition coefficient (or “P”). The boiling point referredto herein is measured under normal standard pressure of 760 mmHg Theboiling points of many perfume ingredients, at standard 760 mm Hg aregiven in, e.g., “Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals),”written and published by Steffen Arctander, 1969.

The octanol/water partition coefficient of a perfume ingredient is theratio between its equilibrium concentrations in octanol and in water.The partition coefficients of the perfume ingredients used in the airfreshening composition may be more conveniently given in the form oftheir logarithm to the base 10, logP. The logP values of many perfumeingredients have been reported; see for example, the Pomona92 database,available from Daylight Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (DaylightCIS), Irvine, Calif. However, the logP values are most convenientlycalculated by the “CLOGP” program, also available from Daylight CIS.This program also lists experimental logP values when they are availablein the Pomona92 database. The “calculated logP” (ClogP) is determined bythe fragment approach of Hansch and Leo (cf., A. Leo, in ComprehensiveMedicinal Chemistry, Vol. 4, C. Hansch, P. G. Sammens, J. B. Taylor andC. A. Ramsden, Eds., p. 295, Pergamon Press, 1990). The fragmentapproach is based on the chemical structure of each perfume ingredient,and takes into account the numbers and types of atoms, the atomconnectivity, and chemical bonding. The ClogP values, which are the mostreliable and widely used estimates for this physicochemical property,are preferably used instead of the experimental logP values in theselection of perfume ingredients for the air freshening composition.

The perfume composition may comprise perfume ingredients selected fromone or more groups of ingredients. A first group of ingredientscomprises perfume ingredients that have a boiling point of about 250° C.or less and ClogP of about 3 or less. More preferably, the first perfumeingredients have a boiling point of 240° C. or less, most preferably235° C. or less. More preferably the first perfume ingredients have aClogP value of less than 3.0, more preferably 2.5 or less. One or moreingredients from the first group of perfume ingredients can be presentin any suitable amount in the perfume composition. In certainembodiments, the first perfume ingredient is present at a level of atleast 1.0% by weight of the perfume composition, more preferably atleast 3.5% and most preferably at least 7.0% by weight of the perfumecomposition.

A second group of perfume ingredients comprise perfume ingredients thathave a boiling point of 250° C. or less and ClogP of 3.0 or more. Morepreferably the second perfume ingredients have a boiling point of 240°C. or less, most preferably 235° C. or less. More preferably, the secondperfume ingredients have a ClogP value of greater than 3.0, even morepreferably greater than 3.2. One or more ingredients from the secondgroup of perfume ingredients can be present in any suitable amount inthe perfume composition. In certain embodiments, the second perfumeingredient is present at a level of at least 10% by weight of theperfume composition, more preferably at least 15% and most preferablygreater than 20% by weight of the perfume composition.

A third group of perfume ingredients comprises perfume ingredients thathave a boiling point of 250° C. or more and ClogP of 3.0 or less. Morepreferably the third perfume ingredients have boiling point of 255° C.or more, most preferably 260° C. or more. More preferably, thisadditional perfume ingredient has a ClogP value of less than 3.0, morepreferably 2.5 or less. One or more ingredients from the third group ofperfume ingredients can be present in any suitable amount in the perfumecomposition. In certain embodiments, the third perfume ingredient ispresent at a level of at least 5.0% by weight of the perfumecomposition.

A fourth group of perfume ingredients comprises perfume ingredients thathave a boiling point of 250° C. or more and ClogP of 3.0 or more. Morepreferably, this additional perfume ingredient has boiling point of 255°C. or more, most preferably 260° C. or more. More preferably, theadditional perfume ingredient has a ClogP value of greater than 3.0,even more preferably greater than 3.2. One or more ingredients from thefourth group of perfume ingredients can be present in any suitableamount in the perfume composition. In certain embodiments, the fourthperfume ingredient is present at a level of at least 1% by weight of theperfume composition.

In one embodiment of the air freshening composition, the perfumecomposition comprises at least about 1% by weight of one or morevolatile ingredients (from the first group of perfume ingredients)having a boiling point of less than or equal to about 250° C. and a ClogP value less than or equal to about 2.5. In another embodiment of theair freshening composition, the perfume composition comprises at leastabout 10% of one or more ingredients (from the second group of perfumeingredients) having a boiling point less than or equal to about 250° C.and Clog P value greater than or equal to about 3. In another embodimentof the air freshening composition, the perfume composition comprises atleast about 5% of one or more ingredients (from the third group ofperfume ingredients) having a boiling point of greater than or equal toabout 250° C. and a Clog P value less than or equal to about 3. Inanother embodiment, the perfume composition comprises at least about 1%of one or more ingredients (from the fourth group of perfumeingredients) having a boiling point of greater than or equal to about250° C. and a Clog P value greater than or equal to about 3. The perfumecomposition may also comprise any suitable combination of theembodiments described above.

For example, in another embodiment, the perfume composition comprises atleast one perfume from the first group of perfume ingredients and atleast one perfume from the second group of perfume ingredients. Morepreferably, the perfume composition comprises a plurality of ingredientschosen from the first group of perfume ingredients and a plurality ofingredients chosen from the second group of perfume ingredients. Inorder to extend the fragrance perception in the air, it is recommendedto include a plurality of ingredients from the additional groups threeand four to help round off the sensorial experience.

The perfume compositions useful in the air freshening composition canutilize relatively high levels of particularly chosen perfumeingredients. Such high levels of perfume had not previously been usedbecause of a phenomenon known as the odor detection threshold. Perfumeraw material generates an olfactory response in the individual smellingthe perfume. The minimum concentration of perfume ingredient which isconsistently perceived to generate an olfactory response in anindividual, is known as the Odor Detection Threshold (“ODT”). As theconcentration of perfume is increased, so is the odor intensity of theperfume, and the olfactory response of the individual. This is so untilthe concentration of the perfume reaches a maximum, at which point theodor intensity reaches a plateau beyond which there is no additionalolfactory response by the individual. This range of perfumeconcentration through which the individual consistently perceives anodor is known as the Odor Detection Range (“ODR”).

It had been understood, until now, that the concentration of perfumeingredients in the perfume composition should be formulated within theODR of the perfume ingredient, since compositions comprising higherlevels provide no additional olfactory response and are thus costly andinefficient.

The Applicants have, however, found that in some circumstances it may bedesirable to exceed the ODR of at least some of the perfumeingredient(s). The perfume is not only effusive and very noticeable whenthe product is used in an aqueous aerosol or pump spray, but it has alsobeen found that the perfume continues diffusing from the multipledroplets disseminated on all surfaces within the room. The reservoir ofperfume serves to replace diffused perfume, thus maintaining perfumeconcentration in the room at or beyond the odor detection threshold ofthe perfume throughout use, and preferably, after it has been initiallysprayed or otherwise dispersed. Moreover, it has also been found thatthe perfume tends to linger for longer in the room in which thecomposition is used. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, at least oneperfume ingredient selected from the first and/or second perfumeingredients is preferably present at a level of 50% in excess of theODR, more preferably 150% in excess of the ODR. For very lingeringperfume, at least one perfume ingredient can be added at a level of morethan 300% of the ODR.

In certain embodiments, the perfume composition described herein canmaintain a more consistent character over time. Larger droplet sizes(which have a smaller total surface area compared to a plurality ofsmall droplets) can be used to reduce the speed with which the highlyvolatile top notes will volatilize. The droplets can not only releasethe perfume composition when they are suspended in the air, they canalso fall until they contact a surface (e.g., tables or countertops,furniture, and floors, carpets, etc.). The droplets that fall onto thesesurfaces can serve as “reservoirs” for the perfume composition, and alsorelease the perfume composition after landing on such surfaces. In thismanner, there can be a continual renewal of the scent originallypercieved by the consumer, which is replenished by molecules releasedfrom the droplets over a period of time. The mixing action of theheavier, higher ODT molecules (e.g., bottom notes such as musks, woodynotes, etc.) with the newly released fresher more volatile lower ODTmaterials, will provide the consumer with a scent that is reminiscent ofthe one they initially experienced when the product was first applied.

ODTs are determined using a commercial gas chromatograph (“GC”) equippedwith flame ionization and a sniff-port. The gas chromatograph iscalibrated to determine the exact volume of material injected by thesyringe, the precise split ratio, and the hydrocarbon response using ahydrocarbon standard of known concentration and chain-lengthdistribution. The air flow rate is accurately measured and, assuming theduration of a human inhalation to last 12 seconds, the sampled volume iscalculated. Since the precise concentration at the detector at any pointin time is known, the mass per volume inhaled is known and concentrationof the material can be calculated. To determine whether a material has athreshold below 50 parts per billion (ppb), solutions are delivered tothe sniff port at the back-calculated concentration. A panelist sniffsthe GC effluent and identifies the retention time when odor is noticed.The average across all panelists determines the threshold ofnoticeability.

The necessary amount of analyte is injected onto the column to achieve a50 ppb concentration at the detector. Typical gas chromatographparameters for determining odor detection thresholds are listed below.The test is conducted according to the guidelines associated with theequipment.

Equipment:

-   -   GC: 5890 Series with FID detector (Agilent Technologies, Ind.,        Palo Alto, Calif., USA)    -   7673 Autosampler (Agilent Technologies, Ind., Palo Alto, Calif.,        USA)    -   Column: DB-1 (Agilent Technologies, Ind., Palo Alto, Calif.,        USA)    -   Length 30 meters ID 0.25 mm film thickness 1 micron (a polymer        layer on the inner wall of the capillary tubing, which provide        selective partitioning for separations to occur)

Method Parameters:

-   -   Split Injection: 17/1 split ratio    -   Autosampler: 1.13 microliters per injection    -   Column Flow: 1.10 mL/minute    -   Air Flow: 345 mL/minute    -   Inlet Temp. 245° C.    -   Detector Temp. 285° C.    -   Temperature Information    -   Initial Temperature: 50° C.    -   Rate: 5C/minute    -   Final Temperature: 280° C.    -   Final Time: 6 minutes    -   Leading assumptions: (i) 12 seconds per sniff        -   (ii) GC air adds to sample dilution

The first and second perfume ingredients may comprise, among otherthings: esters, ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, derivatives thereof andmixtures thereof. Table 1 provides some non-limiting examples of firstperfume ingredients and Table 2 provides some non-limiting examples ofsecond perfume ingredients.

TABLE 1 Examples of First Perfume Ingredients Approx. Approx. PerfumeIngredients BP (° C.) ClogP Allyl Caproate 185 2.772 Amyl Acetate 1422.258 Amyl Propionate 161 2.657 Anisic Aldehyde 248 1.779 Anisole 1542.061 Benzaldehyde 179 1.480 Benzyl Acetate 215 1.960 Benzyl Acetone 2351.739 Benzyl Alcohol 205 1.100 Benzyl Formate 202 1.414 Benzyl IsoValerate 246 2.887 Benzyl Propionate 222 2.489 Beta Gamma Hexenol 1571.337 Camphor Gum 208 2.117 laevo-Carveol 227 2.265 d-Carvone 231 2.010laevo-Carvone 230 2.203 Cinnamyl Formate 250 1.908 Cis-Jasmone 248 2.712Cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate 169 2.243 Cuminic alcohol 248 2.531 Cuminicaldehyde 236 2.780 Cyclal C 180 2.301 Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinol 215 1.891Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinyl Acetate 250 2.797 Ethyl Acetate 77 0.730 EthylAceto Acetate 181 0.333 Ethyl Amyl Ketone 167 2.307 Ethyl Benzoate 2122.640 Ethyl Butyrate 121 1.729 Ethyl Hexyl Ketone 190 2.916Ethyl-2-methyl butyrate 131 2.100 Ethyl-2-Methyl Pentanoate 143 2.700Ethyl Phenyl Acetate 229 2.489 Eucalyptol 176 2.756 Fenchyl Alcohol 2002.579 Flor Acetate (tricyclo Decenyl Acetate) 175 2.357 Frutene(tricyclo Decenyl Propionate) 200 2.260 Geraniol 230 2.649 Hexenol 1591.397 Hexenyl Acetate 168 2.343 Hexyl Acetate 172 2.787 Hexyl Formate155 2.381 Hydratropic Alcohol 219 1.582 Hydroxycitronellal 241 1.541Isoamyl Alcohol 132 1.222 Isomenthone 210 2.831 Isopulegyl Acetate 2392.100 Isoquinoline 243 2.080 Ligustral 177 2.301 Linalool 198 2.429Linalool Oxide 188 1.575 Linalyl Formate 202 2.929 Menthone 207 2.650Methyl Acetophenone 228 2.080 Methyl Amyl Ketone 152 1.848 MethylAnthranilate 237 2.024 Methyl Benzoate 200 2.111 Methyl Benzyl Acetate213 2.300 Methyl Eugenol 249 2.783 Methyl Heptenone 174 1.703 MethylHeptine Carbonate 217 2.528 Methyl Heptyl Ketone 194 1.823 Methyl HexylKetone 173 2.377 Methyl Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate 214 2.269 MethylSalicylate 223 1.960 Nerol 227 2.649 Octalactone 230 2.203 Octyl Alcohol(Octanol-2) 179 2.719 para-Cresol 202 1.000 para-Cresyl Methyl Ether 1762.560 para-Methyl Acetophenone 228 2.080 Phenoxy Ethanol 245 1.188Phenyl Acetaldehyde 195 1.780 Phenyl Ethyl Acetate 232 2.129 PhenylEthyl Alcohol 220 1.183 Phenyl Ethyl Dimethyl Carbinol 238 2.420 PrenylAcetate 155 1.684 Propyl Butyrate 143 2.210 Pulegone 224 2.350 RoseOxide 182 2.896 Safrole 234 1.870 4-Terpinenol 212 2.749 alpha-Terpineol219 2.569 Viridine 221 1.293

TABLE 2 Examples of Second Perfume Ingredients Approx. Approx. PerfumeIngredients BP (° C.) ClogP allo-Ocimene 192 4.362 Allyl Heptoate 2103.301 Anethol 236 3.314 Benzyl Butyrate 240 3.698 Camphene 159 4.192Carvacrol 238 3.401 cis-3-Hexenyl Tiglate 101 3.700 Citral (Neral) 2283.120 Citronellol 225 3.193 Citronellyl Acetate 229 3.670 CitronellylIsobutyrate 249 4.937 Citronellyl Nitrile 225 3.094 CitronellylPropionate 242 4.628 Cyclohexyl Ethyl Acetate 187 3.321 Decyl Aldehyde209 4.008 Delta Damascone 242 3.600 Dihydro Myrcenol 208 3.030Dihydromyrcenyl Acetate 225 3.879 Dimethyl Octanol 213 3.737 FenchylAcetate 220 3.485 gamma Methyl Ionone 230 4.089 gamma-Nonalactone 2433.140 Geranyl Acetate 245 3.715 Geranyl Formate 216 3.269 GeranylIsobutyrate 245 4.393 Geranyl Nitrile 222 3.139 Hexenyl Isobutyrate 1823.181 Hexyl Neopentanoate 224 4.374 Hexyl Tiglate 231 3.800 alpha-Ionone237 3.381 beta-Ionone 239 3.960 gamma-Ionone 240 3.780 alpha-Irone 2503.820 Isobornyl Acetate 227 3.485 Isobutyl Benzoate 242 3.028 IsononylAcetate 200 3.984 Isononyl Alcohol 194 3.078 Isomenthol 219 3.030para-Isopropyl Phenylacetaldehyde 243 3.211 Isopulegol 212 3.330 LauricAldehyde (Dodecanal) 249 5.066 d-Limonene 177 4.232 Linalyl Acetate 2203.500 Menthyl Acetate 227 3.210 Methyl Chavicol 216 3.074 alpha-iso“gamma” Methyl Ionone 230 4.209 Methyl Nonyl Acetaldehyde 232 4.846Methyl Octyl Acetaldehyde 228 4.317 Myrcene 167 4.272 Neral 228 3.120Neryl Acetate 231 3.555 Nonyl Acetate 212 4.374 Nonyl Aldehyde 212 3.479Octyl Aldehyde 223 3.845 Orange Terpenes (d-Limonene) 177 4.232para-Cymene 179 4.068 Phenyl Ethyl Isobutyrate 250 3.000 alpha-Pinene157 4.122 beta-Pinene 166 4.182 alpha-Terpinene 176 4.412gamma-Terpinene 183 4.232 Terpinolene 184 4.232 Terpinyl acetate 2203.475 Tetrahydro Linalool 191 3.517 Tetrahydro Myrcenol 208 3.517Undecenal 223 4.053 Veratrol 206 3.140 Verdox 221 4.059 Vertenex 2324.060

Table 3 provides some non-limiting examples of the third and fourthgroup of perfume ingredients which have a B.P. of greater than or equalto about 250° C.

TABLE 3 Examples of Optional Perfume Ingredients Approximate ApproximatePerfume Ingredients B.P. (° C.) ClogP Allyl Cyclohexane Propionate 2673.935 Ambrettolide 300 6.261 Amyl Benzoate 262 3.417 Amyl Cinnamate 3103.771 Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde 285 4.324 Amyl Cinnamic Aldehyde Dimethyl300 4.033 Acetal iso-Amyl Salicylate 277 4.601 Aurantiol 450 4.216Benzophenone 306 3.120 Benzyl Salicylate 300 4.383 Cadinene 275 7.346Cedrol 291 4.530 Cedryl Acetate 303 5.436 Cinnamyl Cinnamate 370 5.480Coumarin 291 1.412 Cyclohexyl Salicylate 304 5.265 Cyclamen Aldehyde 2703.680 Dihydro Isojasmonate 300 3.009 Diphenyl Methane 262 4.059 EthyleneBrassylate 332 4.554 Ethyl Methyl Phenyl Glycidate 260 3.165 EthylUndecylenate 264 4.888 iso-Eugenol 266 2.547 Exaltolide 280 5.346Galaxolide 260 5.482 Geranyl Anthranilate 312 4.216 Hexadecanolide 2946.805 Hexenyl Salicylate 271 4.716 Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde 305 5.473Hexyl Salicylate 290 5.260 Linalyl Benzoate 263 5.233 2-MethoxyNaphthalene 275 3.235 Methyl Cinnamate 263 2.620 Methyl Dihydrojasmonate300 2.275 beta-Methyl Naphthyl ketone 300 2.275 Musk Indanone 250 5.458Musk Ketone M.P.¹ = 137  3.014 Musk Tibetine M.P. = 136 3.831 Myristicin276 3.200 delta-Nonalactone 280 2.760 Oxahexadecanolide-10 300 4.336Oxahexadecanolide-11 M.P. = 35  4.336 Patchouli Alcohol 285 4.530Phantolide 288 5.977 Phenyl Ethyl Benzoate 300 4.058Phenylethylphenylacetate 325 3.767 alpha-Santalol 301 3.800 Thibetolide280 6.246 delta-Undecalactone 290 3.830 gamma-Undecalactone 297 4.140Vanillin 285 1.580 Vetiveryl Acetate 285 4.882 Yara-Yara 274 3.235¹“M.P.” is melting point (in degrees C.); these ingredients have a B.P.higher than 275° C.

In the perfume art, some auxiliary materials having no odor, or a lowodor, are used, e.g., as solvents, diluents, extenders or fixatives.Non-limiting examples of these materials are ethyl alcohol, carbitol,diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethylcitrate, isopropyl myristate, and benzyl benzoate. These materials areused for, e.g., solubilizing or diluting some solid or viscous perfumeingredients to, e.g., improve handling and/or formulating. Thesematerials are useful in the perfume compositions, but are not counted inthe calculation of the limits for the definition/formulation of theperfume compositions used herein.

It can be desirable to use perfume ingredients and even otheringredients, preferably in small amounts, in the perfume compositionsdescribed herein, that have low odor detection threshold values. Theodor detection threshold of an odorous material is the lowest vaporconcentration of that material which can be detected. The odor detectionthreshold and some odor detection threshold values are discussed in,e.g., “Standardized Human Olfactory Thresholds”, M. Devos et al, IRLPress at Oxford University Press, 1990, and “Compilation of Odor andTaste Threshold Values Data”, F. A. Fazzalari, editor, ASTM Data SeriesDS 48A, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1978. The use ofsmall amounts of perfume ingredients that have low odor detectionthreshold values can improve perfume character such as by addingcomplexity to the perfume character to “round off” the fragrance.Examples of perfume ingredients that have low odor detection thresholdvalues useful in the perfume composition include, but are not limitedto: coumarin, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, methyl dihydro isojasmonate,3-hexenyl salicylate, isoeugenol, lyral, gamma-undecalactone,gamma-dodecalactone, methyl beta naphthyl ketone, and mixtures thereof.These materials can be present at any suitable level. In someembodiments, these materials may be present at low levels in the perfumecomposition, typically less than 5%, preferably less than 3%, morepreferably less than 2%, by weight of the perfume composition.

EXAMPLES

The following examples numbered A to H, are non-limiting examples ofsuitable perfume compositions.

Perfume ingredient A B C D E F G H Allyl Caproate 2 — — 4 — 2 — 3Citronellyl Acetate 5 8 6 3 5 6 5 3 Delta Damascone 1 0.5 0.9 3 0.8 20.6 1 Ethyl-2-methyl Butyrate 8 2 1.5 12 1.5 15 1 11 Flor Acetate 8 — —4 — 4 — 5 Frutene 4 — — 8 — 4 — 8 Geranyl Nitrile 1 15 22 1 28 1 32 5Ligustral 6 7.5 12 10 8 13 8 10 Methyl dihydro Jasmonate 27.69 37.3621.89 25 28.04 30 25.70 25.59 Nectaryl 5 — — 3 — 4 — 3 Neobutanone 0.300.09 0.12 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.15 0.4 Oxane 0.01 0.05 0.09 0.01 0.06 0.01 0.050.01 Tetrahydro Linalool 32 — — 26.69 — 18.79 — 25 Methyl nonylacetaldehyde — 7 15 — 10 — 8.5 — Ethyl-2-methyl pentanoate — 1 1.5 — 1 —1 — Iso E Super — 3 2 — 3 — 3 — Ionone beta — 1.5 2 — 1.5 — 1 —Habanolide — 3 3 — 3 — 3 — Geraniol — 15 12 — 10 — 11 —

In other embodiments, the air freshening composition can be dispersed ina manner that provides it with a more consistent release profile. Theair freshening composition can be sprayed into the air. Any suitabletype of article can be used to spray the air freshening composition intothe air. The air freshening composition can be sprayed using anysuitable type of sprayer. One suitable type of sprayer is an aerosolsprayer. If an aerosol sprayer is used, it can use any suitable type ofpropellant. The propellant can include hydrocarbon propellants, ornon-hydrocarbon propellants. In some embodiments, it is desirable to usepropellants that are primarily non-hydrocarbon propellants (that is,propellants that are comprised of more non-hydrocarbon propellants byvolume than hydrocarbon propellants. In some embodiments, the propellantmay be substantially free of hydrocarbons such as: isobutene, butane,isopropane, and dimethyl ether (DME).

Without wishing to bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatone of the reasons that some air fresheners that are dispersed fromaerosol cans that utilize hydrocarbon propellants have undesirablerelease profiles that are characterized by an overwhelming initial burstof scent, and the scent has short longevity in the air, is that spraysfrom cans that use hydrocarbon as a propellant contain a large number ofsmall droplets of the composition. The large number of small droplets ofcomposition provide a large amount of surface area for exposing the airfreshening composition to the air, which is believed to allow the scentto rapidly volatilize, and contribute to the overwhelming initial burstof scent and short longevity of the same. FIG. 4 shows a comparison ofthe relatively higher amount of small droplets in a spray that usesdimethyl ether (DME) hydrocarbon as a propellant in comparison to aspray that uses nitrogen as a propellant.

Therefore, in some embodiments, it may be desirable for the airfreshener to be dispersed from a container that uses a non-hydrocarbonpropellant. Such a propellant may include, but is not limited tocompressed gas. In addition, some compressed gases can be moreenvironmentally-friendly than hydrocarbon propellants, which may makethem more suitable for actual air freshening. Suitable compressed gasesinclude, but are not limited to compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide,inert gases, carbon dioxide, etc., and mixtures thereof.

In one version of such an embodiment, at least some of the spraydroplets are sufficiently small in size to be suspended in the air forat least about 10 minutes, and in some cases, for at least about 15minutes, or at least about 30 minutes. The spray droplets can be of anysuitable size. In some embodiments, at least some of the spray dropletshave a diameter in a range of from about 0.01 μm to about 500 μm, orfrom about 5 μm to about 400 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 200 μm.The mean particle size of the spray droplets may be in the range of fromabout 10 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 20 μm- about 60 μm.

Although compressed gas systems produce large particles that generate amore desirable perfume release profile, these same particles can createwetness on the floor and other surfaces because they are heavier andfall to the ground. In one embodiment of the present invention, thetotal product output and the spray droplet/particle size distributionare selected to support the perfume efficacy but avoid a surface wetnessproblem. Total product output is determined by the flow rate of theproduct as it is released from the container. To achieve a spray profilethat produces minimal surface wetness, it is desirable to have a lowflow rate and small spray droplets. In a preferred embodiment, the flowrate will be less than 1.2 grams/second and the droplets will be smallenough that when, dispensed at a height of 5 feet from the ground, lessthan 40 percent of the droplets fall to the ground. More preferably, thedroplets will be small enough that when, dispensed at a height of 5 feetfrom the ground, less than 35 percent of the droplets fall to theground. Even more preferably, the droplets will be small enough thatwhen, dispensed at a height of 5 feet from the ground, less than 30percent of the droplets fall to the ground.

A low flow rate can be achieved via the valve, the delivery tube and/orthe nozzle but nozzle modifications have proven to be less susceptibleto instances of clogging. Small particles can be efficiently createdwhen the spray is dispensed in a wide cone angle. For a given nozzlecomponent and delivery tube, cone angles can be modified by varying theinsertion depth of the nozzle in the delivery tube. In a preferredembodiment, the cone angle will be greater than about 20 degrees. Morepreferably, the cone angle will be greater than about 30 degrees, stillmore preferably, it will be greater than about 35 degrees. Even morepreferably, the cone angle will be greater than about 40 degrees, andmore preferably, it will be greater than about 50 degrees.

When a non-hydrocarbon propellant is used, the flow rate of the airfreshening composition as it exits the dispensing device becomesimportant. The flow rate should be low enough to prevent the formationof large spray droplets. For purposes of this application, flow rate isdetermined by measuring the rate of product expelled by a full containerof product for the first 60 seconds of use. In a preferred embodiment,the flow rate of the air freshening composition being released from thecontainer is from about 0.0001 grams/second to about 1.2 grams/second.More preferably, the flow rate is from about 0.001 grams/second to about1.1 grams/second. Even more preferably, the flow rate is from about 0.01grams/second to about 1.0 grams/second. Still more preferably, the flowrate is from about 0.1 grams/second to about 1.1 grams/second. Morepreferably yet, the flow rate is from about 0.1 grams/second to about1.0 grams/second. In an alternate embodiment, the flow rate is fromabout 0.1 grams/second to about 0.9 grams/second, alternatively fromabout 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5 grams/second.

The air freshening composition can be packaged in any suitablecontainer. Preferably, the container holds at least about 120 grams ofair freshening composition. More preferably, the container holds atleast about 130 grams of air freshening composition, still morepreferably, it holds at least about 150 grams of air fresheningcomposition. Suitable containers include aerosol cans. In a preferredembodiment, the container is not a bag-in-can system. In one embodiment,the aerosol can may have a dispenser that sprays the air fresheningcomposition at an angle that is between an angle that is parallel to thebase of the container and an angle that is perpendicular thereto inorder to facilitate spraying the product into the air. In addition tosprayers that use compressed gas as a propellant, in other embodiments,the desired size of spray droplets can be delivered by other types ofdevices that are capable of being set to provide a narrow range ofdroplet size. Such other devices include, but are not limited to:foggers, ultrasonic nebulizers, electrostatic sprayers, and spinningdisk sprayers.

Malodor Control

The air freshening product may also deliver a genuine malodor removalbenefit. A genuine malodor removal benefit is defined as both a sensoryand analytically measurable (such as by gas chromatograph) malodorreduction. Thus, if the air freshening product delivers a genuinemalodor removal benefit, the air freshening product will not functionmerely by using perfume to cover up or mask odors. However, it is alsocontemplated herein that some embodiments of the air freshening productmay function either partially, or entirely by masking odors. If the airfreshening product is provided with a malodor counteractant, the airfreshening product may utilize one or more of several types of odorcontrol mechanisms.

Malodor Neutralization

One type of air freshening composition utilizes a malodor neutralizationvia vapor phase technology. The vapor phase technology is defined asmalodor counteractants that mitigate malodors in the air via chemicalreactions or neutralization. More preferably, the malodor counteractantsare safe for fabrics.

In one embodiment of a composition that utilizes vapor phase technology,the air freshening composition comprises one or more fabric-safealiphatic aldehydes and/or one or more enones (ketones with unsaturateddouble bonds). It may also be desirable for these vapor phasetechnologies to have virtually no negative impact on the desired perfumecharacter. Certain malodor technologies are odoriforess and negativelyimpact the overall character of the fragrance. In this case, aperfume/malodor counteractant premix is formed such that the perfume rawmaterials used in this technology are selected to neutralize any odor ofthe malodor counteractants. This odor neutralized premix can then beadded to a parent perfume without affecting the character of the parentfragrance. This permits the vapor phase technology to be used broadlywith a large variety of fragrance types. In addition, types of vaporphase technologies that predominately comprise a straight chainaliphatic backbone will not discolor fabrics, unlike products thatutilize types of aldehydes that contain multiple double bonds andbenzene rings.

The malodor counteractants that utilize vapor phase technology can bepresent in any suitable amount in the perfume composition. In certainembodiments, the malodor counteractants may be present in an amountgreater than or equal to about 1% and less than about 50% by weight ofthe perfume composition. In other embodiments, the malodorcounteractants may be present in an amount greater than or equal toabout 3% and less than about 30% by weight of the perfume composition.In other embodiments, the malodor counteractants may be present in anamount greater than or equal to about 8% and less than about 15% byweight of the perfume composition.

The following table illustrates the importance of proper selection ofaldehydes and enones to avoid fabric yellowing.

Fadometer Test on treated Fabric (0.75 grams of product are pipettedonto a 4 inch × 4 inch (10 cm × 10 cm) swatch which is then subjected to5 hours of exposure to simulated sunlight using a SUNTEST AldehydeSolution CPS+ model Fadometer supplied by Tested Atlas, Chicago,Illinois, USA. Control—untreated No yellowing fabric swatch 1000 ppmamylic Yellowish brown cinnamic aldehyde (aromatic) 1000 ppm citronellalYellowish brown (aromatic) 1000 ppm citral No yellowing aldehyde(aliphatic) 1000 ppm lauric No yellowing aldehyde (aliphatic)

Examples of suitable aliphatic aldehydes are R—COH where R is saturatedC₇ to C₂₂ linear and/or branched with no more than two double bonds.Additional examples of aliphatic aldehydes are lyral, methyl dihydrojasmonate, ligustral, melonal, octyl aldehyde, citral, cymal, nonylaldehyde, bourgeonal, P. T. Bucinal, decyl aldehydes, lauric aldehyde,and mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable enones are ionone alpha,ionone beta, ionone gamma methyl, and mixtures thereof. The malodorcounteractant can comprise one or more aliphatic aldehydes, one or moreenones, or any combination thereof. The following are severalnon-limiting examples of perfume formulations that include fabric-safevapor phase malodor counteractants.

Examples of Perfume Compositions with Malodor Counteractants (1) Pine

Material Name Amount Rosemary 10.00 Spike Lavender 10.00 Lavandin Grosso5.00 Spruce (conf.-manh) 5.00 Camphor Gum 5.00 Melonal 0.30 Eucalyptol15.00 Iso Menthone 15.00 Iso Bornyl Acetate 21.70 Ionone Beta 8.00 Iso ESuper 5.00 100.00

(2) Ozonic

Material Name Amount Xi Aldehyde 8.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 5.00Helional 13.00 Hydroxycitronellal 11.50 Calone 1951 0.50 2′ 6 -Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 5.00 Lyral 20.00 Melonal 1.00 Iso Menthone10.00 Floralozone 10.00 Bourgeonal 10.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 1.00Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(3) Fruity

Material Name Amount Fruitate 5.00 Orange Terpenes 13.00 EthylAcetoacetate 3.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl Acetate 3.00Benzaldehyde 2.00 Prenyl Acetate 8.00 Benzyl Acetate 15.00 2′ 6 -Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl-2-methyl Butyrate 8.00 Amyl Acetate3.00 Cis 3 Hexenyl Acetate 3.00 Methyl Dihydro Jasmonate 10.00 Ligustral5.00 Melonal 1.00 Ethyl 2 Methyl Pentanoate 8.00 Hexyl Acetate 8.00Habanolide 100% 3.00 100.00

(4) Citrus

Material Name Amount Orange Terpenes 20.00 Lemon Terpenes X5 Fold 20.00Lime Oil Cf-8-1285-1 (conf.-berje) 10.00 Grapefruit Phase C- Ref.N*12245 20.00 Italian Orange Phase Oil 22.90 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50Oxane 0.30 Iso Menthone 1.00 Rhubafuran 0.30 Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(5) Floral

Material Name Amount Spike Lavender 5.00 Rosemary 5.00 Helional 10.00Hydroxycitronellal 10.00 Benzyl Acetate 9.30 Lyral 20.00 Ligustral 2.00Melonal 0.20 Eucalyptol 2.00 Iso Menthone 8.00 Bourgeonal 20.00Undecavertol 3.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50 Habanolide 100% 5.00100.00

In certain cases, fabrics that are laundered will have residualbrighteners deposited from detergents with which they are washed.Therefore, it may be desirable for the reactive aldehydes to becompatible with brighteners so that the air freshening composition willnot discolor any fabrics with which it comes into contact. A number ofthe examples above are compatible with brighteners.

In a number of the examples above, the air freshening compositioncomprises a mixture of ionones and reactive aldehydes. Aldehydes reactwith amine odors (such as fish and cigarette odors). FIGS. 5-7 show onenon-limiting example of such an odor removal mechanism. FIG. 5 shows thepresence of butylamine (a fish odor) in the air. FIG. 6 shows thepresence of Lilial (an aldehyde) in the air. FIG. 7 shows that when thetwo substances (the odorous butylamine and the malodor counteractantaldehyde—Lilial) are combined, the butylamine and lilial are no longerpresent in the air, and a new substance is formed without the odors thatare characteristic of amines.

Liquid Mist Odor Traps

Another type of air freshening composition comprises liquid mist odortraps with built in water-soluble malodor counteractants. The liquidmist can remove malodors by taking them out of the air when the mist issuspended in the air and falls to the ground. Hydrophilic malodors (suchas smoke, fish, onion, etc) dissolve in the mist in situ in the liquidphase. The non-volatile malodor counteractants (such as cyclodextrins,ionones, polyacrylic acid, etc) neutralize the malodor when thecomposition is a mist suspended in the air. Cyclodextrin forms complexeswith different organic molecules to make them less volatile. Iononesreact with amines. Polyacrylic acid neutralizes amines and thiols.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the effect of liquid mist odor traps on some commontypes of odors. FIG. 8 shows the reduction in concentration of two typesof cigarette malodors in the air before and after a malodorcounteractant is introduced into the air space. FIG. 9 shows thereduction in concentration of body and bathroom malodors in the airbefore and after a malodor counteractant is introduced into the airspace.

Sensory Modification

Other types of air freshening compositions function by sensorymodification of those exposed to odors. There are at least two ways ofmodifying the sensory perception of odors. One way (habituation) is tomask odors using perfume so that a person exposed to the odor smells theperfume more than the odor. The other way (anosmia) is to reduce theperson's sensitivity to malodors. Ionones are compositions that arecapable of reducing the sensitivity of a person's olfactory system tothe presence of certain undesirable odors, such as sulfur odors causedby eggs, onions, garlic, and the like.

The air freshening composition can employ one or more of the types ofmalodor control mechanisms and ingredients described above (e.g.,hydrophilic odor traps, vapor phase technology, and odor blockers(sensory modifiers).

The air freshening composition can be made in any suitable manner. Allof the perfume ingredients and any malodor counteractant ingredients cansimply be mixed together. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable touse the mixture of perfume and malodor counteractants as a concentratedproduct (and to dispense such a concentrated product, such as byspraying). In other embodiments, the mixture of ingredients can bediluted by adding the same to some suitable carrier and that compositioncan dispensed in a similar manner. Any suitable carrier can be used,including, but not limited to aqueous carriers, such as water and/oralcohols.

The perfume ingredients and any malodor counteractant ingredients cancomprise any suitable percentage of the air freshening composition. Thebalance can be comprised of the carrier, and any optional ingredients.Optional ingredients include, but are not limited to: solvents, alcohols(e.g., ethanol), surfactants, preservatives, and other quality controlingredients. In certain embodiments, the perfume ingredients and themalodor counteractant ingredients comprise from about 0.01% to about100% of the air freshening composition, by weight, or any other rangewithin this range. In embodiments in which the perfume and any malodorcounteractant ingredients are diluted, one non-limiting example of sucha narrower range is between about 0.05% and about 1% of the airfreshening composition. In other embodiments, one or more fabric-safealdehydes and/or or more fabric-safe ionones comprise less than or equalto about 25% of the weight of said composition.

Air Freshener Composition with Malodor Counteractant (A) Liquid Product

Examples I II III IV V VI Ingredients Wt % Wt % Wt % Wt % Wt % Wt %Hydroxypropyl beta- 0.2 — — 0.3 0.1 cyclodextrin (“HPBCD”) Polyacrylicacid 0.1 0.1 0.1 — 0.1 0.05 Diethylene glycol 0.25 — — — — — SilwetL-7600 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Sodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate 0.2 0.1 0.20.1 0.2 0.2 Ethanol 3.0 5.0 5.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 PEG60 Hydrogenated castoroil 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 1.8 5.0 Perfume 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.2 1.0 0.1 Proxel GXL0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 HCl or NaOH to pH 5 to pH 5 to pH 5to pH 5 to pH 7 to pH 8.0 Distilled water Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal. Bal.Flow rate 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.2 0.6 0.8

(B) Propellant: Nitrogen preferred

-   Ratio of Product to Propellant: 60/40 to 70/30 by volume.

Methods of Freshening Air

The methods of freshening air can comprise providing an air fresheningcomposition that comprises a perfume composition, and optionally one ormore malodor counteractants; and dispersing the air fresheningcomposition into the air. The air freshening composition can bedispersed by any of the sprayers, articles and devices described herein,or by any other suitable device, or in any other suitable manner. Theair freshening composition can be dispersed in the form of spraydroplets, and in some cases, it may be desirable for the droplets tohave the droplets sizes of the particular size specified herein. Themethod can be carried out in such a way to achieve any of the resultsthat are specified herein. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment,the method can be carried out in a manner such that the perfume has anintensity measured on a sensory rating scale of 0-5 that is in a rangeof greater than or equal to about 2.5 but less than about 3.5 at thefollowing times: (1) 2 minutes after the composition is first dispersed;and (2) 5 minutes after the composition is first disbursed.

Test Methods Perfume Intensity Test

-   Odor Room Description—19 m³ in size, linoleum flooring, dry wall on    walls, acoustic tile ceiling. Rooms also contain a toilet, sink,    countertop and shower stall.

Perfume Intensity Evaluation Procedure

-   -   1. The odor room air controller is set for exhaust (which        removes air from the room to outside the building) for fifteen        minutes.    -   2. A trained odor evaluator verifies that there is not any        residual perfume or room odor present in the room. The odor room        air controller is set to the “off” position, which stops any air        flow or air exchange within the room (note: Relative Humidity        and temperature are not controlled and can vary depending on the        time of year).    -   3. Trained odor evaluators enter the odor room and close the        door.    -   4. An aerosolized air care sample is sprayed in the odor room        for three seconds.    -   5. Trained odor evaluators perform perfume odor evaluations over        the next sixty seconds, making observations on intensity,        character and distribution within the room. All doors are closed        upon exiting the room and remain closed during the test period.    -   6. The same trained odor evaluators re-enter the odor room,        closing the door upon entry and perform perfume odor evaluations        at 5 minutes and 30 minutes after the initial evaluation.

Perfume Intensity Scale:

-   -   5=very strong, i.e., extremely overpowering, permeates into        nose, can almost taste it    -   4=strong, i.e., very room filling, but slightly overpowering    -   3=moderate, i.e., room filling, character clearly recognizable    -   2=weak, i.e., can be smelled in all corners, still can recognize        character    -   1=very weak, i.e., cannot smell in all parts of the room    -   0=no odor

Malodor Removal Test

-   Odor Room Description—640 ft³ in size, linoleum type flooring, dry    wall on walls and ceiling.

Odor Evaluation Procedure

-   -   1. The odor room air controller is set for exhaust (which        removes air from the room to outside the building) for a minimum        of fifteen minutes.    -   2. A trained odor evaluator verifies that there is not any        residual perfume, malodor contaminant or room odor present in        the room. The odor room air controller is set to the “off”        position, which stops any air flow or air exchange within the        room (note: Relative Humidity and temperature are not controlled        and can vary depending on the time of year).    -   3. A test facilitator introduces malodor into two rooms for        malodor testing preparation.    -   4. Trained odor evaluators enter each room and perform odor        evaluations over the next sixty seconds, making observations on        malodor intensity, character and distribution within the room.        All doors are closed upon exiting the room and remain closed        during the test period.    -   5. A test facilitator sprays an aerosolized test product into        only one of the rooms and the other room is maintained as a        “malodor only” control.    -   6. Trained odor evaluators re-enter each room and perform odor        evaluations over the next sixty seconds, making observations on        intensity, character and distribution within the room. For the        room that has been treated with the test product observations        are made on both perfume odor and malodor reduction. All doors        are closed upon exiting the room and remain closed during the        test period.    -   7. The same trained odor evaluators re-enter each of the two        odor rooms, closing the door upon entry and perform malodor        and/or perfume odor evaluations at 5 minutes and 20 minutes        after the initial evaluation.

Room Malodor Intensity Scale:

-   -   5=very strong, i.e., overpowering, permeates into nose, can        almost taste it    -   4=strong, i.e., very room filling, but not overpowering    -   3=moderate, i.e., room filling, character clearly recognizable    -   2=weak, i.e., can be smelled in all corners, still can recognize        character    -   1=very weak, i.e., cannot smell in all parts of the room    -   0=no odor

The air freshening composition can, in certain embodiments, provide areduction is malodors in any amount after any period of time including,but not limited to 5 minutes and 20 minutes after initial evaluation.

In both of the foregoing tests, it is possible to have intensities thatare between (e.g., midway between) any of the numbers on the scale.

The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any patentswhich issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreignpatent applications), and publications mentioned throughout thisdescription are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expresslynot admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated byreference herein teach or disclose the present invention.

All percentages stated herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification will include every lower numericallimitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expresslywritten herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout thisspecification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if suchhigher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Everynumerical range given throughout this specification will include everynarrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range,as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

While particular embodiments of the subject invention have beendescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications of the subject invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, whilethe present invention has been described in connection with certainspecific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by wayof illustration and not by way of limitation and the scope of theinvention is defined by the appended claims which should be construed asbroadly as the prior art will permit.

1. A method of freshening air and improving a perfume release profile ofan air freshening composition, comprising dispersing an air fresheningcomposition into the air, wherein said air freshening compositioncomprises a perfume composition, and wherein said air fresheningcomposition is provided in a container, said container comprising: a) apropellant comprising a compressed gas selected from the groupconsisting of compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inert gases, andcarbon dioxide, wherein said propellant is substantially free ofhydrocarbons; and b) a dispenser; wherein, when said container iscompletely filled with said propellant and said air fresheningcomposition, said air freshening composition is released from saidcontainer at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spraydroplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said flow rate is from about 0.8 grams/second to about1.2 grams/second.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said flow rate isfrom about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.1 grams/second.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said released spray droplets have a mean particle sizeof about 20 microns to about 60 microns.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein said container is a non bag-in-can container.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said air freshening composition is provided in acontainer holding at least about 120 grams of said air fresheningcomposition.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein said air fresheningcomposition comprises a perfume composition comprising: a) at leastabout 1% by weight of said perfume composition of ingredients having aboiling point less than or equal to about 250° C. and Clog P value lessthan or equal to about 3, b) at least about 10% by weight of saidperfume composition of ingredients having a boiling point less than orequal to about 250° C. and Clog P value greater than or equal to about3, c) at least about 5% by weight of said perfume composition ofingredients having a boiling point greater than or equal to about 250°C. and Clog P value less than or equal to about 3, d) at least about 1%by weight of said perfume composition of ingredients having a boilingpoint greater than or equal to about 250° C. and Clog P value greaterthan or equal to about
 3. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the airfreshening composition further comprises a malodor counteractant, andsaid perfume has an initial character as detected by a sensory panelprior to the inclusion of said malodor counteractant into said airfreshening composition, and a character that is substantially the sameafter the inclusion of said malodor counteractant into said airfreshening composition.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein said malodorcounteractant comprises at least one of the following: cyclodextrin,carboxylic acids including mono, di, tri, and polyacrylic acids, andmixtures thereof.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein said malodorcounteractant comprises a mixture of two or more of the following: (1)one or more fabric-safe aldehydes; (2) one or more fabric-safe ionones;and (3) at least one of the following: cyclodextrin, carboxylic acidsincluding mono, di, tri, and polyacrylic acids, and mixtures thereof.11. A method of freshening air comprising dispersing an air fresheningcomposition into the air, wherein said air freshening compositioncomprises a perfume composition, and wherein said air fresheningcomposition is provided in a non bag in can aerosol sprayer holding atleast about 120 grams of said air freshening composition, said containercomprising: a) a propellant comprising a compressed gas selected fromthe group consisting of compressed air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, inertgases, and carbon dioxide, wherein said propellant is substantially freeof hydrocarbons; and b) a dispenser; wherein, when said container iscompletely filled with said propellant and said air fresheningcomposition, said air freshening composition is released from saidcontainer at a flow rate of from about 0.8 grams/second to about 1.5grams/second, wherein the mean particle size of the released spraydroplets is from about 10 microns to about 100 microns.
 12. The methodof claim 11 wherein the ratio of said compressed gas to said airfreshening composition is 40:60 to 30:70 by volume.